California
Magical Yosemite With Your Grandchild: Trains, Gold & Robots
Program No. 20349STR-RSBLOG
Create lasting memories on a uniquely Californian adventure with your grandchild as you ride a steam engine, pan for gold, construct robots and learn the story of Yosemite.
Enroll with Confidence
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
At a Glance
The best stories are the ones told around a camp fire – roast a marshmallow beside your grandchild and hear stories of Yosemite National Park and the pioneers who first explored this great wilderness. On this epic adventure, you’ll use your imagination to become a park ranger, prospector, train conductor and engineer as you pan for gold, ride a steam engine and build an underwater robot. Plus, hike through the magnificent domes, granite cliffs, meadows and Sequoia groves of Yosemite as you get to know this beautiful national park.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Board a steam engine train for a ride through the sugar pine forest to learn about the gold rush and the area’s logging history.
- Explore Yosemite from the spectacular cascading waters of Bridalveil Fall to the giant sequoia trees — the oldest and largest species on earth!
- Head to the Baker Swim Complex to learn to create and manipulate a real underwater robot, and spend some swim time in the pool yourself!
General Notes
Program is for grandchildren ages 8-12.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Magical Yosemite With Your Grandchild: Trains, Gold & Robots
Program Number: 20349
Sierra Nevada Natural History: An Illustrated Handbook.
Gloryland: A Novel
Camping With The President
Who Pooped in the Park? Yosemite Scat and Tracks for Kids
History of the Sierra Nevada
Galen Clark: Yosemite Guardian
The Geologic Story of Yosemite National Park
My First Summer in the Sierra
The first of John Muir's books. This inspirational book allows the reader to understand John Muir's desire to protect and preserve Yosemite.
Little Ty Cooney and the Big Yosemite Race
A Sierra Club Naturalist's Guide to the Sierra Nevada
My Yosemite: A Guite for Young Adventurers
Yosemite: The Complete Guide: Yosemite National Park
